Definition of filter bubble

An environment and especially an online environment in which people are exposed only to opinions and information that conform to their existing beliefs.  From: merriam-webster.com 

Positive

• From the user’s point of view, personalization helps cut through content overload and it takes users right to content they’re likely to want to consume.  
• From a company’s point of view, it increases the amount of time a user spends on a website, users return more often, and higher engagement levels are seen by delivering personalization.

Negative

• Internet users become separated from information that disagrees with their viewpoints, effectively isolating them in their own cultural or ideological bubbles. The choices made by these algorithms are not transparent and it's very likely, that unless you are thinking about the news and media you receive, you can "live" in a filter bubble forever.

What can you do to limit or stop filter bubbles?  

1. Use ad-blocking browser extensions (such as AdBlock)
2. Set your phone (or any device that uses apps) to stop tracking by the apps you have installed.
3. Read news sites and blogs that provide a wide range of perspectives.
4. "Subscribe" to more than one news source, ideally covering local, national, and international news.
5. Understand where your news sources show up on media bias charts.  Find balance with "centered" journalism.
6. Use anonymous browsing, delete search history and stay logged out if possible.
7. Delete or block browser cookies.
8. Educate yourself about filter bubbles, internet tracking, and security.
9. Consider buying access to a VPN: Virtual Private Network.